cordingly, and he came to Bergen, where it was insisted against
him that he had some knowledge of such treasure; but he denied it
altogether, would not admit it, and offered to clear himself by ordeal.
King Harald would not have this, but laid on the bishop a money fine
of fifteen marks of gold, which he should pay to the king. The bishop
declared he would not thus impoverish his bishop's see, but would rather
offer his life. On this they hanged the bishop out on the holm, beside
the sling machine. As he was going to the gallows he threw the sock from
his foot, and said with an oath, "I know no more about King Magnus's
treasure than what is in this sock;" and in it there was a gold ring.
Bishop Reinald was buried at Nordnes in Michael's church, and this deed
was much blamed. After this Harald Gille was sole king of Norway as long
as he lived.

9. WONDERFUL OMENS IN KONUNGAHELLA.

Five years after King Sigurd's death remarkable occurrences took place
in Konungahella (A.D. 1135). Guthorm, a son of Harald Fletter, and
Saemund Husfreyja, were at that time the king's officers there. Saemund
was married to Ingebjorg, a daughter of the priest Andres Brunson. Their
sons were Paul Flip and Gunne Fis. Saemund's natural son was called
Asmund. Andres Brunson was a very remarkable man, who carried on divine
service in the Cross church. His wife (1) was called Solveig. Jon
Loptson, who was then eleven years old, was in their house to be
fostered and educated. The priest Lopt Saemundson, Jon's father, was
also in the town at that time. The priest Andres and Solveig had
a daughter by name Helga, who was Einar's wife. It happened now in
Konungahella, the next Sunday night after Easter week, that there was
a great noise in the streets through the whole town as if the king was
going through with all his court-men. The dogs were so affected that
nobody could hold them, but they slipped loose; and when they came out
they ran mad, biting all that came in their way, people and cattle.
All who were bitten by them till the blood came turned raging mad; and
pregnant women were taken in labour prematurely, and became mad. From
Easter to Ascension-day, these portentous circumstances took place
almost every night. People were dreadfully alarmed at these wonders; and
many made themselves ready to remove, sold their houses, and went out
to the country districts, or to other towns. The most intelligent men
looked upon it as something extremely